Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa Ukraine alleges the vessel unloaded wheat taken from occupied territories in Haifa, while Israel says ship had not entered the port. Israel
UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Egypt’s military companies seek private investments The Egyptian military seeks to expand investments in partnership with the private sector, thus crowding out civilian-run companies, amid the economic recession due to the coronavirus crisis. Egypt
Lebanon’s central bank to inject dollars as currency crashes The Lebanese pound trades at roughly 6,000 to the US dollar on the black market; Lebanese officials take action to try to get the parallel market under 4,000 to the dollar. Lebanon
Protests erupt across Lebanon as government scrambles to rein in crumbling currency Following the sectarian protests that took place a few days ago, Lebanon's crumbling currency united the Lebanese in a cross-sectarian protests in various Lebanese cities. Lebanon
Jordan gets high marks for dealing with COVID-19, but economic crisis deepens Jordanians feel that while the government may have succeeded in thwarting the health crisis related to the coronavirus pandemic, it has failed so far in finding solutions to the deteriorating economy. Jordan
New report details damage to Iraqi economy during COVID-19 pandemic The report by the UN-affiliated International Organization for Migration shows how virus-related restrictions have led to revenue and job losses for small and medium-sized businesses in Iraq. Iraq
Iran’s debt-ridden international broadcasters face closure Iran’s state-funded international TV channels, including Press TV, could soon be taken off the air due to accumulated debt amid the country’s cash reserve crisis. Iran
Sanctions on Syrian government also threaten Washington's Kurdish allies While US and international sanctions aren't specifically targeted at Kurdish-ruled northeast Syria, the area is impacted all the same with cross-border trade practically halted and because of the sudden plunge of the Syrian pound. Syria
Oman will make it easier for expat workers to switch jobs Under a previous order, foreign workers were barred from switching companies without explicit permission from their employers. Oman
China shows greater interest in Syria amid pandemic, US tensions China is looking to increase its influence in war-torn Syria, and using the coronavirus pandemic to accelerate these plans. Syria
How Lebanese banks can restore customers’ confidence Amid reports that the Lebanese government plans to merge and liquidate some banks, citizens are concerned about their deposits while the economic situation continues to deteriorate. Lebanon
Mohamed Ali returns to slam Sisi on COVID-19 — is anyone listening? Mohamed Ali, an Egyptian construction contractor who last year called for protests against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has recently appeared on social media, accusing the government of failing to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Egypt
Sudanese immigrants in Lebanon try crossing border into Israel In recent months, Sudanese refugees have been trying to enter Israel by slipping across the tense border with Lebanon. Israel
